How to Dial In "Pardon Me" by Staind - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pardon Me"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From The Illusion of Progress (2008). The Illusion of Progress is the sixth studio album by American rock band Staind. Frontman Aaron Lewis said, in a quote the album's Wikipedia article carries, that the band skipped their stage rigs and used all vintage guitars and amps on the record, without naming any, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, a driven alternative-rock pairing, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard, a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Pardon Me" Tone
What guitar did Staind use on "Pardon Me"?
The guitar on "Pardon Me" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Pardon Me" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Pardon Me" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pardon Me" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Pardon Me" by Staind are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.